As a Parent Voter

As the election fever comes to its height with just a few days before the election, I did some contemplation of my role in this political exercise. As a parent, this is not just an exercise of a right. This is an opportunity to secure a better future for my children.

Being a mother, most of my plans and activities center around providing a good future for my children. I want them to successfully function in a society that is supportive of their development as human beings. The democratic process of choosing our leaders is important for me so that my children are assured of a good future in this country.

I believe that what I will outline here, will be my sentiment every election period. Generally, I want a government that is a combination of both old and young leaders. Elderly leaders are laden with experience and have accumulated practical wisdom to align the radical ideologies and relentless energy of the young ones.

As a parent voter, I am particularly interested with candidates who have the following advocacy:

1. Educational Reforms. I want my children to receive quality education comparable to those being enjoyed by children in developed countries.

2. Economic Development. Soon, my children will be joining the labor force as professionals or skilled workers, or may become entrepreneurs. I want them to have fair opportunity in uplifting their economic status.

3. Environmental Protection. I want my children to live in a community where economic development works in harmony with nature. I want them to enjoy what remains of the beauty of the natural world.

4. Peace and security. I want for my children a country where the rule of law and respect for human dignity is hardwired into the hearts and minds its citizenry.

5. Moral Recovery. As I raise my children to become morally upright individuals, may this country through its leaders also promote societal moral responsibility.

A candidate may not be able to advocate all of these, but at least he is committed in any one of them.

God bless the Philippines!